Lonely at the Top: Schema Therapy in Narcissism

Trainer:

Remco van der Wijngaart

Kurs-Nummer:

WS18-9

Inhalt:

Narcissism is
widespread in our society, but people with narcissistic issues do not often
seek help. Only when their world seems to be collapsing around them as a result
of divorce or the loss of their jobs do such people hit a wall and ask for help
or are sent by others for help.

The treatment
is complicated by the egocentric and arrogant behaviour for which narcissists
are known, as well as the anger tantrums which occur when the patient feels
wronged or frustrated. As a result, many treatments are terminated prematurely,
either by the patient or by the therapist.

Many forms of personality
problems (especially BPS and cluster C) can be effectively treated with Schema Therapy. The research into schema therapy in narcissistic personality disorder
is still in its infancy, but initial results are favourable (Bamelis et al.,
2014).

Der Workshop findet auf (sehr gut verständlichem) Englisch statt.

Methoden und Ziele:

To understand the dynamics of narcissism and make a
case conceptualisation

In this
workshop, a modes model of narcissism developed by Young et. al. (2005) and
Arntz and Jacob (2012) will be explained. What are common schemas, coping styles
and modes in narcissistic personality disorder? What are common parenting
styles of parents of nascent narcissists?

Recognising and dealing with pitfalls in handling
the therapeutic relationship

The guiding
principle for the treatment is the question "Who do you think you
are?!". This question applies to the behaviour of both the patient, who
will tend to belittle and dominate the therapist, and the therapist, annoyed by
the patient's demanding and manipulative behaviour. Which schemas on the part
of the therapist may play a role? How can you handle this dynamic within the
therapeutic relationship (limited reparenting, empathic confrontation and
setting limits)?

Applying
techniques to change the schemas and modes

In order to
reach the vulnerable lonely child, cognitive techniques alone are inadequate,
because the patient often denies this vulnerable side. Experiential techniques
are much better at achieving this, but how do you get the patient to the point
that he/she is willing to try?

Methods are: Theoretical introduction, demonstrations
by teachers and DVD and practice in pairs.